With the dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas last week, the historical debate on his eight years in office will enter a new phase. Some of his opponents still believe his presidency was a rolling disaster, but others are taking a more nuanced and positive view of his leadership.

That discussion will rage for years, but it was interesting to note another facet of the library dedication. All living ex-presidents attended the event, as well as the current chief executive.

The same thing has occurred at the opening of other presidential libraries, and that's welcome. At these occasions, past foes drop their guard and focus on the many things they have in common.

The second President Bush would do well to continue a tradition established by the other living ex-presidents: Even though they were intensely political beings, in retirement they moved beyond the petty partisanship and bickering of Washington, D.C.

They've seen the system from the inside, and they want no more part of it. They are willing, even eager, to work together for the common good, like the disaster-relief efforts of President George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton.

Current political leaders like House Speaker John Boehner and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid should stop and think about that phenomenon. That could allow them and their colleagues to forge more compromises - especially on issues like immigration reform where their positions aren't that far apart.

They don't have to wait until the end of their careers to put the nation's interests ahead of their own or their political party's. They can do that while they still wield power, while they can still use their influence for good.